Why This Bellevue Senior Living Community Has a Coffee Shop | Eater Seattle

"An upscale senior-living campus with assisted living and memory-care areas, Watermark Bellevue is positioning itself as part of a shift away from isolated suburban residences toward vibrant urban buildings integrated with the larger community; independent-living apartments are scheduled to open across the street (with an open-to-the-public bistro) and start at around $4,000 a month. I noted that the campus has a public cafe—a relatively uncommon feature for a senior living facility—that serves as both a selling point and an on-ramp (prospective tenants receive one of culinary director Christopher Frantela’s scones as a goodbye gift). Executive director Shawn Jervis expects street foot traffic from the upcoming light-rail station and says the cafe helps counter stigma about aging and makes it easier for residents and visitors to meet." - Harry Cheadle